MN-Based 'Feed My Starving Children' In Philippines, Providing Food Relief
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- At least a half-million hand-packed, dehydrated meals have already been distributed to Typhoon Haiyan survivors in the Philippines, Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) announced Monday.
The Christian nonprofit based in Minnesota donates the meals, called MannaPack, to a global network of humanitarian and mission organizations, including Risen Savior Missions, International Care Ministries and Convoy of Hope.
"With three partners working in the Philippines every day, our food can quickly get where it's needed most when disaster strikes," Matt Muraski, Director of International Programs for Feed My Starving Children, said. "All three partners are mobilizing their meal inventories for this disaster, and two of them—Convoy of Hope and Risen Savior Missions— have asked us to ship at least nine additional cargo containers, or 2.5 million meals, as soon as possible."
Typhoon Haiyan ravaged the Philippines throughout the weekend. As of Saturday night, as many as 10,000 are feared dead in the aftermath. The storm had winds of 190 miles per hour - making it the strongest tropical typhoon on record to make landfall.
The Philippines' rice and coconut crops were destroyed as well, which will take time to replace.
"Not only is there an urgent need for short-term food relief, but also for long-term supplies as Filipinos rebuild their local food sources," Muraski said. "For months to come, Feed My Starving Children will need volunteer meal-packers and generous donors to meet increased need in the Philippines, while continuing to serve nearly 50 other nations where we have promised meals this year."
FMSC produces the three meal formulas that they say are scientifically developed to reverse and prevent malnutrition. All meals are packed by volunteers at sites in Minnesota, Illinois, Arizona and at MobilePack events across the United States.
For more information and how to volunteer/donate to FMSC, click here.
